SHOTTON secured a superb 21-3 victory against an Abergele side who were certainly up for the challenge.

The early exchanges were scrappy with both sides showing ring rustiness due to the Christmas break and postponements. The heavy pitch didn’t help either.

Hosts Gele broke the deadlock after Shotton indiscipline saw them convert their first shot at the sticks.

Shotton hit back following several phases of rugby which saw second-row Mike Howells touch down after excellent work from centre Dan Lynskey.

Shotton got the bit between their teeth in the second half and were in complete control with Gele rarely venturing into the Shotton 22.

Lynskey then touched down after valiant work from the pack created the necessary platform, with the ball being swiftly passed wide to the in-form centre who showed a clean pair of heels to the Gele defence.

Shotton managed to sustain the pressure despite injuries to key players, Howells and Lynskey. Older brother Adam Lynskey took up where Dan left off with some nifty footwork and released stand-off Steve Ellson to score under the posts. Ellson added that conversion and the previous two to bring his personal points tally to 11.